Hiddink keeps faith with Russia squad

Russia coach Guus Hiddink has named a virtually unchanged squad for the decisive Euro 2008 qualifier against England, despite being thoroughly outplayed by the same opponents last month at Wembley.

England leapfrogged Russia into second place behind pacesetters Croatia after beating them 3-0 at Wembley on September 12.

Provided they beat Estonia at home on October 13, the English can afford to draw their last two games, in Russia and at home to Croatia, and still qualify, while the Russians must beat England to have a chance of reaching next year’s finals.

“We don’t have that many players to choose from, making our options limited,” Hiddink said.

The only notable absentee was Spartak Moscow winger Vladimir Bystrov, who is out for the rest of the year after suffering a ligament tear in his left knee two weeks ago.

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